Why I’m Frustrated (And What I’m Building Next)
Originally sent exclusively to The Letter subscribers on May 5th. Want to be the first to get my personal newsletter in your inbox every Monday at 7am? Subscribe for free here.
I was pondering a thought that often occupies my mind: the drive to constantly improve and expand.
Unlike many who grapple with imposter syndrome, my inclination has always been to strive for more, fueled by a strong sense of what I believe I can achieve.
This ambition, perhaps coupled with a healthy dose of ego and a lust for success, has served my businesses balance sheet well and earned me some thumbs up from my peers.
I've also consciously positioned myself in environments that nurture ambition and celebrate success.
It's remarkable how our surroundings can propel us forward.
The company we keep truly matters; associating with forward-thinkers and action-takers inevitably raises our own game.
My personal challenge isn't a lack of self-belief, but rather the constant awareness of untapped potential if only I could embrace even more stimulating environments.
Familiarity, while comforting, can also be restrictive - hence the adage about the grass not always being greener on the other side!
My recent hop to China perfectly illustrates this persistent desire for growth.
Immersing myself in the bustling atmosphere of trade shows and factories ignited that familiar spark - a restless urge to push boundaries, much like a frustrated teenager, eager to assert their newfound capabilities to grumpy grownups in the form of teachers and parents.
Witnessing the scale and innovation of other businesses always prompts the question: if they can achieve this, why can't we?
Why shouldn't my team and I strive for even greater heights, and why not now?
Navigating the sheer scale of business that can be done in China was eye-opening, generating a flood of ideas and potential opportunities.
While these may seem small in comparison to giants like Bezos, every significant achievement begins somewhere, and it reinforces the importance of seeking environments that foster progress.
Every city and event I visited left me brimming with ideas that require significant investment.
I could drop 10m quid here and turn it into 100m pretty quickly.
I have a strong conviction in our potential to yield substantial returns. The challenge now lies in materialising these ambitious plans, not the desire, the knowledge or the sales.. it’s the poxy capital again!
While I currently have access to some capital around 2m smakerrooonies, the total investment required is considerably more.
It looks more like 10m.
However, I'm determined to bridge that gap.
If someone like Bezos can amass the resources for space exploration and send a load of celebs to space who popped up there for the same time it takes me ro rustle up a Pot Noodle, surely I can find the capital to build a significantly larger business.
That's the vision I'm working towards.
The frustration I feel when I see unrealised potential, whether in my own ventures or elsewhere, is intense.
It’s a yearning to break through limitations and achieve excellence, a powerful internal drive that resists complacency.
The idea of slow progress doesn't resonate with me, nor does the thought of failure
It’s a challenging path, undoubtedly, but that's precisely what makes it worthwhile.
If it was easy… you know the next line.
In other news, my recent doctor's visit took an unexpected turn...
I went to the doctors with an embarrassing problem, I had lettuce growing out of my pants.
The Doctor had a look and said “that’s just the tip of the iceberg!”
Until next week, wishing you continued success.
James
PS. Business Masterclass is not as far away as you think! Get your tickets here before July 1st to save.